Rogue Squadron
Brisbane's rawest, sleaziest young rockers are about to go on hiatus. But fans of The Rogues don't need to worry, because their favourite band hasn't fallen prey to drugs, booze or loose women - guitarist Steve Moloney is just going to South America for six months.

“I've always wanted to go,” Steve offers by way of explanation, “so I just figured this was the time … at this stage I'm not going to be doing any work over there but if I run out of money, it may come down to selling myself on the street.”

Of course, six months is a long time for any group to be without their guitarist. Surely the rest of the band - who made their mark last year with debut EP 'Knuckles', a blast of rock imported directly from 1976 - is sad to see him go? “Nah, they're glad to get rid of me,” Steve laughs. “I said they could get another guitarist but they were keen to take six months off … I don't think they'd do too well without me, anyway. I'm the glue that holds the band together.”

Whether or not Steve's glue is responsible, the group's lineup has remained unchanged since a bunch of Brisbane State High students got together to kick out the jams and piss off the neighbours four years ago. “We get compared to AC/DC a lot, but I don't think we actually sound like them,” he says, apparently oblivious to the fact that they do sound a lot like AC/DC. “We're kind of eclectic in our tastes now. (Bass player) Reuben is the main AC/DC rocker; (vocalist) Jack likes his country crooners; (drummer) Tom's into his math metal; I take the more poppy, melodic side, but I don't think they appreciate it.”

Naturally, Steve would be remiss to leave town without a farewell party. And The Rogues … well, they know how to throw a farewell party. Steve's appropriately Mexican-themed Farewell Fiesta is set to feature appearances from burlesque performers The Rock & Roll Revue, a giant sombrero piñata and more tequila than you can handle. “I was sitting at work one day and I thought, hey, it'd be good to have half-naked women on stage. I got in touch with The Rock & Roll Revue and they were really keen, so they'll be doing 20 minute slots inbetween each of the bands to keep the sex appeal going.”

The Rogues' Farewell Fiesta hits The Zoo Thursday April 2.